A cab driver who suffered brain damage after treatment for a
stab wound to his neck is set to receive a multimillion-pound
compensation package over medical
negligence.
Leslie Dye, 57, has to be cared for at the Jacob Centre, in
Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, after an assault by a taxi customer
in 2003.
After the incident he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital
in Harlow, Essex, where a scan was not interpreted properly. Mr Dye
had a cardiac arrest and was left seriously disabled.
London's High Court approved the settlement of Mr Dye's damages
action against The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, which was
brought on his behalf by his daughter, Emma.
The judge said: "It is obvious that the consequences of the
stabbing and the failures in medical care which followed had an
absolutely devastating effect upon his life and on the lives of all
those close to him."
The Trust, which admitted liability, has agreed to pay Mr Dye a
lump sum of £850,000 plus index-linked periodic payments.
Afterwards, a Trust spokesman said: "Since the incident, the
Trust has worked hard to ensure the quality of its healthcare
services improves and that nothing similar happens again.
"The Trust has apologised to Mr Dye and his family for the
quality of care he received at Princess Alexandra Hospital and
wishes them all the best for the future."